New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) The cabinet of Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah showcases a blend of youth, diverse gender representation, and professional expertise. This composition was the result of extensive discussions that started even before the March 5 national election results were declared.

According to sources from Kathmandu, many members of the cabinet are first-time MPs, yet they are regarded as specialists in their respective fields. The key figures in negotiations between Balen, as he is commonly known, and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane were primarily for the Finance and Home ministries.

A report from Nepal’s Republica on Wednesday stated, “PM-designate Balen Shah, who was sworn in as PM on Friday, advocated for 16 ministries while the RSP aims to achieve consensus,” noting, “However, internal disagreements persist. Rabi Lamichhane has insisted on maintaining the earlier agreement of 18 ministries. Discussions are ongoing to find a compromise before the final cabinet announcement.”

Upon the cabinet list's finalization on Friday, it was reported that “Dr. Swarnim Wagle will assume the role of Finance Minister, a decision viewed as a strategy to instill confidence in markets and international partners. Shisir Khanal will lead foreign policy amidst changing regional dynamics, and internal security will be overseen by Sudan Gurung as the Minister for Home Affairs.”

Balen Shah, a structural engineer-turned-rapper, has taken on the role of Prime Minister, along with responsibilities for the Defence and Industry Ministries, as reported by Nepali Times.

The cabinet aims for inclusivity, with women occupying five of the new ministerial positions. At just 35, the new Premier’s political journey began when he became the first independent candidate to be elected as mayor of Kathmandu in the 2022 municipal elections.

In a significant development, “Following extensive negotiations, the pivotal Home Ministry, a point of contention between Shah and RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane, has been awarded to Sudan Gurung, a relatively unknown figure who gained recognition after the September GenZ protests and won the election from Gorkha-2,” as mentioned by Nepali Times.

Born in 1989, Gurung is perceived as a nominee of Balen who gained visibility during the Gen Z movement against alleged political misgovernance and nepotism, which contributed to the downfall of the K. P. Sharma Oli government last year. He played a key role in negotiations with the President, Army Chief, and others, leading to former Chief Justice Sushila Karki becoming interim Prime Minister. Gurung is also the founder of the non-governmental organization Hami Nepal, which was active during the Nepal earthquake.

His efforts are credited as instrumental in forging the political alliance between Balen and Rabi during the election campaign.

Reports indicate that D. P. Aryal was a potential candidate for the Home Ministry, seen as close to the party leadership. His name was also suggested for the position of Speaker of the House. Aryal had previously served two brief terms as Minister of Labour when the RSP was part of coalition governments in 2023 and 2024.

The newly appointed Finance Minister, Swarnim Wagle, is a 51-year-old economist with academic credentials from the London School of Economics, Harvard University, and Australian National University. He has formerly held positions as a Senior Economist at the World Bank and as Chief Economic Advisor for Asia and the Pacific at UNDP.

Once affiliated with the Nepali Congress, Wagle joined the RSP in 2023 after a fallout with the party's top brass.

In terms of hierarchy, PM Balen Shah leads the cabinet, followed by the Finance and Home Ministers.

Shisir Khanal, age 47, who previously oversaw the RSP’s international affairs department, has been named Foreign Minister. Most other cabinet members also possess relevant experience in their designated sectors.